Projects

Groundbreaking Marks New Chapter for Powder River Historical Museum

BROADUS, Mont. — July 20, 2026 

The Powder River Historical Society is pleased to announce the official groundbreaking of its museum “Welcome Building” project in Broadus, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Powder River Historical Museum and the community it serves.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday morning, July 20, with members of the Building a Better Broadus Tourism Grant Steering Committee and project partners in attendance to celebrate the start of construction.

The project represents a significant community investment in preserving and sharing the history of Powder River County for generations to come. Funding for the project has been made possible through grant support from the Montana Department of Commerce Tourism Development Grant Program and the Powder River Community Endowment Fund, along with numerous generous donations and memorial contributions from individuals and families throughout the community and the public.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped bring this project from a dream to reality,” said Jessica Malone, President of the Powder River Historical Society. “This groundbreaking represents more than the beginning of construction—it represents our community’s commitment to preserving our history, telling our stories, and creating a museum that will serve Broadus and Powder River County for generations to come.”

The construction phase marks an important milestone in the museum’s ongoing efforts to create an improved space for its collections, exhibits, educational programs, and visitors. The project will provide new opportunities to preserve the region’s heritage while making that history more accessible to residents and visitors alike.

The Powder River Historical Society extends its sincere appreciation to the organizations, businesses, families, and individuals whose financial support, encouragement, and involvement have helped make the project possible. In correction to an earlier article, the Powder River Historical Society would especially like to recognize Horace & Charlotte Broaddus, whose generous initial 1987 donation made possible the purchase of the museum buildings and grounds from the Midland Lumber Company.

The new building will house an acknowledgment of the donations and memorials that have made this project possible. Those who would like to support the museum building project can make a donation Here.

The Powder River Historical Society looks forward to sharing updates throughout the construction process and celebrating this important investment in the history and future of Broadus and Powder River County.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Participants

 Lori Fortner, Powder River County Commissioner; Bill Gay, BDJ Construction; Sean Wyman, Wyman Construction; Jessica Malone, Powder River Historical Society; Melissa Billing and Jackie Rumph, Powder River Area Economic Development Council.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, May 9th 2026

New “Welcome Building” Planned for Powder River Historical Museum; Community Fundraising Campaign Underway

Broadus, Montana

The Powder River Historical Society is pleased to announce plans for construction of a new “Welcome Building” at the Powder River Historical Museum in Broadus, Montana. The multi-purpose, single-story facility will serve as both a gateway to the museum campus and a civic welcome center for visitors to Broadus, Powder River County, and the surrounding Southeast Montana region.

The proposed building will be located on the southwest corner of the downtown museum property and has been thoughtfully designed to fulfill two important community functions:

1. Museum Entrance and Operational Hub – including administrative office space, exhibit and display areas, and visitor wayfinding services for the surrounding museum buildings and grounds. 

2. Public Restroom and Visitor Resource Area – providing ADA-accessible public restrooms and community meeting space 

The project officially entered the planning and feasibility stage in April 2025 with funding provided through the Montana Department of Commerce Pilot Community Tourism Grant, now known as the Tourism Development Grant Program. High Plains Architects was selected to prepare a Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR), which documented existing site conditions, incorporated community and board feedback, and explored design options for the facility. The PAR was completed in fall 2025.

Following a public Request for Proposal process, Wyman Construction was selected as the project’s General Contractor/Construction Manager. The Society cited the company’s construction experience, ability to meet budgetary goals, and commitment to hiring area subcontractors and supporting local businesses as key factors in the selection.

Although final plans are still being refined, the approximately 2,800-square-foot structure is anticipated to include a museum lobby and operations center, expanded visitor information services, ADA-accessible public restrooms, a community meeting room for educational programming and public gatherings, and approximately 1,400 square feet of exhibit space.

The design reflects the historic character and identity of Broadus, incorporating architectural elements inspired by frontier-era commercial buildings, including a traditional false-front façade, clerestory daylighting, and a covered walkway intended to mirror the historic downtown streetscape while welcoming visitors with visibility and shelter.

The Welcome Building is also part of the broader Building a Better Broadus initiative, which focuses on revitalizing Broadus’s historic downtown, improving tourism infrastructure, and strengthening long-term economic development and community engagement.

Project leaders say the facility is intended to provide lasting benefits for both residents and visitors by:

• Enhancing the museum experience and increasing visitation 

• Improving tourism infrastructure and traveler amenities 

• Providing accessible public facilities and gathering space 

• Supporting local businesses and economic activity 

• Expanding educational and cultural programming opportunities 

• Preserving and celebrating the historical identity of the Broadus community 

A significant portion of the project funding comes through the Tourism Development Grant Program. In 2024, Broadus was one of seven Montana communities selected for grant funding through the program. The museum’s Welcome Building project was awarded $900,000 in state funding, bringing the project within $100,000 of its $1 million fundraising goal.

The Powder River Historical Society is now launching a community fundraising campaign to help close the remaining funding gap. Donations in honor or memory of loved ones are encouraged, and all contributions will directly support the construction and future success of the project. Support our project Here.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the Powder River Historical Society are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The organization also welcomes Qualified Charitable Distributions from retirement accounts.  

“This project represents a long-awaited investment in preserving our local history while creating new opportunities for tourism, education, and community engagement,” said Malone. “The Welcome Building will serve as a central point of pride for Broadus and help share the story of our region with generations to come.”

A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively anticipated for late spring 2026.

Media Contact

Jessica Malone

Powder River Historical Society – Broadus, MT